Organization
Access Living
A disability-led Center for Independent Living founded in 1980 that empowers Chicagoans with disabilities through peer support, housing assistance, legal advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Majority of staff and board members are people with disabilities.
About
Access Living is a cross-disability Center for Independent Living (CIL) headquartered at 115 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago. Founded in 1980, it is one of the largest and most influential CILs in the United States, with a majority of staff and board members who are themselves people with disabilities.
What They Do
Access Living delivers peer-oriented independent living services, housing search and advocacy, personal assistance coordination, community organizing, civil rights enforcement, youth leadership development, and systems change advocacy at the local and state levels. Its legal team handles fair housing and ADA discrimination complaints.
Who They Serve
Adults and youth with all disability types living in Chicago and the surrounding metro area who seek greater independence and self-determination.
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